CDPH Issues Health Alert on Travelers Returning from DRC or Guinea After Ebola Outbreaks

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued a health alert regarding the monitoring of travelers returning to California from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Guinea following Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in those countries. Both countries have declared EVD outbreaks with nearly 30 combined cases and four deaths.

As part of the health alert, CDPH identifies recommendations for healthcare providers and facilities, as well as local health departments (LHDs). LHDs are instructed to immediately notify CDPH of any patients suspected of having EVD or other highly infectious illnesses due to special pathogens. If a traveler has returned from affected regions of the DRC or Guinea, the LHD is instructed to interview the traveler and conduct a risk assessment. Based on the risk assessment, LHDs should develop a plan with the traveler as to whom to notify should the person become ill, and if the LHD decides to implement active monitoring, the LHD should provide a daily contact for the traveler.

Additional information on the health alert, including guidance for LHDs, is available here.